George North is out of action on Friday night but Northampton Saints forwards coach Dorian West doesn’t expect the British & Irish Lions wing to be on the treatment table for too long.
North limped off with a calf problem last weekend, prompting Northampton boss Jim Mallinder to reassure Saints and Wales supporters the injury is not serious.
The 22-year-old was one of the stars of last summer’s victorious Lions tour to Australia, dotting down as Warren Gatland’s side won both the first and third Tests.
He will now be targeting a return in time for the Premiership playoffs with Saints before heading to South Africa with Wales this summer and West revealed North’s absence this weekend is a measure of caution.
"George is one of those athletes where he runs fast and he needs to be at the top of his fitness,” he said.
“When you’re running at that speed, with that power you get the odd twinge and it can soon turn into something nasty.
“You just have to be cautious with things like that and lads like George to make sure we look after him. He’s had some good treatment this week and we’ll see where he’s at over the next few days.”
